Ultrasonic welds on 3D prints

Telsonic UK is collaborating with the Nottingham office of Stratasys, performing a series of interesting 3D-printed polypropylene ultrasonic weld trials. A Stratasys H350 produced parts for the tests. Initial abstract trials were conducted with Telsonic’s 35kHz Handystar Energy handgun system to check the ultrasonic weldability of the material using various techniques. The success of these tests led to further investigation, guided this time by Telsonic UK, with new trial parts having features that reflect real world application shapes and weld preparation features for automotive ultrasonic welded joints.

More information www.bit.ly/3xu8Gso

NMIS bolsters board

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is strengthening its non-executive board with the appointment of highly experienced and influential industry leaders Neil Logan and Allan Cook CBE. The duo bring extensive leadership in engineering, manufacturing and digital entrepreneurship to the board. Their expertise will support the leadership team and help NMIS to continue delivering transformative impact across the manufacturing community in Scotland and beyond. The University of Strathclyde operates NMIS, which is part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

For further information www.nmis.scot

SME Employer Skills Champion named

The UK’s first Precision Tooling Academy has been recognised by a national charity dedicated to closing skills gaps in UK engineering and manufacturing. Metal pressing and tooling specialist Brandauer was named as the SME Employer Skills Champion of the Year by Enginuity for the way it has joined forces with In-Comm Training to bring the technical upskilling facility in the West Midlands to fruition. The judges were impressed by Brandauer’s role in addressing a critical shortage of toolmakers by creating a 20-week course that ensures the transfer of skills from an ageing workforce to a younger generation.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Sustainable manufacturing hub launched

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has partnered with leading metrology experts to launch a new sustainable manufacturing hub that aims to address the challenge of commercialising early-stage research within key areas of manufacturing.

The Advanced Metrology Hub for Sustainable Manufacturing aims to make manufacturing processes more sustainable by reducing waste, emissions and pollution, as well as lowering production costs. It will also develop ground-breaking new technologies. The hub will be led by the University of Huddersfield and supported by a consortium of partners including the AMRC and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) – both part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult network.

More information www.amrc.co.uk

New southwest sales manager at Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak has appointed James Fell as its new area sales manager for the southwest of England. He takes over from Tim Ponter, who is retiring after more than 30 years’ service at Mazak and nearly 50 years in the manufacturing industry. Fell brings with him a wealth of experience in the machine tool industry, having trained as a CNC programmer and technical sales engineer before moving into business development roles. In his new post, Fell will assume responsibility for Mazak’s broad range of customers throughout the region, with a particular focus on the subcontract manufacturing scene.

More information www.mazakeu.co.uk